Skimming
Skimming
Skimming
Easier - There are different styles of reading for different situations. The technique you
choose will depend on the purpose for reading. For example, you might be reading for
enjoyment, information, or to complete a task. If you are exploring or reviewing, you might
skim a document. If you're searching for information, you might scan for a particular word.
Many people consider skimming and scanning search techniques rather than reading
strategies. However when reading large volumes of information, they may be more practical
than reading. For example, you might be searching for specific information, looking for
clues, or reviewing information.
Harder - Web pages, novels, textbooks, manuals, magazines, newspapers, and mail are just a
few of the things that people read every day. Effective and efficient readers learn to use many
styles of reading for different purposes. Skimming, scanning, and critical reading are
different styles of reading and information processing.
c is used to quickly identify the main ideas of a text. When you read the newspaper,
you're probably not reading it word-by-word, instead you're scanning the text. Skimming is
done at a speed three to four times faster than normal reading. People often skim when they
have lots of material to read in a limited amount of time. Use skimming when you want to see
if an article may be of interest in your research.
There are many strategies that can be used when skimming. Some people read the first and
last paragraphs using headings, summarizes and other organizers as they move down the page
or screen. You might read the title, subtitles, subheading, and illustrations. Consider reading
the first sentence of each paragraph. This technique is useful when you're seeking specific
information rather than reading for comprehension. Skimming works well to find dates,
names, and places. It might be used to review graphs, tables, and charts.
c is a technique you often use when looking up a word in the telephone book or
dictionary. You search for key words or ideas. In most cases, you know what you're looking
for, so you're concentrating on finding a particular answer. Scanning involves moving your
eyes quickly down the page seeking specific words and phrases. Scanning is also used when
you first find a resource to determine whether it will answer your questions. Once you've
scanned the document, you might go back and skim it.
When scanning, look for the author's use of organizers such as numbers, letters, steps, or the
words, first, second, or next. Look for words that are bold faced, italics, or in a different font
size, style, or color. Sometimes the author will put key ideas in the margin.
Reading off a computer screen has become a growing concern. Research shows that people
have more difficulty reading off a computer screen than off paper. Although they can read
and comprehend at the same rate as paper, skimming on the computer is much slower than on
paper.